Trimethylammonium Methyl Sulfate Research Articles

Dual lignin-derived polymeric system for peptone removal from simulated wastewater

The long-term existence of peptone can breed a large number of bacteria and cause the eutrophication of municipal wastewater. Thus, removing peptone in the wastewater is a major challenge facing the current industry. This study used cationic and anionic lignin polymers, i.e., kraft lignin-[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (cationic lignin polymer, CLP) and kraft lignin-acrylic acid (anionic lignin polymer, ALP), as flocculants to eliminate peptone from model wastewater in the single and dual component systems. The affinity of peptone for ALP or CLP was assessed by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle, and vertical scan analyzer. Results illustrated that the adsorption effect of CLP for peptone was significantly superior to that of ALP owing to the stronger vital interaction between cationic polymer and peptone molecules. Based on destabilization and sedimentation analyses, introducing CLP triggered the preliminary flocculation of peptone via bridging action, as indicated by a considerable increment in the destabilization index (from 1.1 to 10.6). Moreover, peptone adsorbed more on the CLP coated surface than on the ALP coated one (14.8 vs 5.4 mg/m2), while ALP facilitated its further adsorption in the dual polymer system. This is because CLP adsorbed a part of peptone molecules on its surface. Then, ALP entrapped the unattached peptone onto the CLP coated surface through electrostatic interaction. Compared with the single polymer system, mixing ALP and CLP subsequently into the peptone solution in the dual system generated larger size aggregates (mean diameter of 6.1 μm) and made the system destabilization (Turbiscan stability index up to 58.1), thereby yielding more flocculation and sedimentation. Finally, peptone was removed successfully from simulated wastewater with a turbidity removal efficiency of 92.5%. These findings confirmed that the dual-component system containing two lignin-derived polymers with opposite charges could be viable for treating peptone wastewater.

Hydrodynamic alignment and self-assembly of cationic lignin polymers made of architecturally altered monomers

Cationic kraft lignin (CKL) polymers with different degrees of grafting (35.2–125.5 mol%) were synthesized via polymerizing kraft lignin (KL) and [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (ATAC) or [2 (methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (METAM) to investigate the impact of the chain extension of the polymers on the physicochemical behavior of CKL in an aqueous solution. It was observed that, at the same grafting ratio, the structural difference of CKLs influenced their hydrophilicity, in which the contact angle of KL-METAM and KL-ATAC solution (1 g/L) reached 9.4° and 11.8° on a glass slide, respectively, at the maximum degree of grafting of ~125 mol%. KL-METAM had a more three-dimensional and flexible structure than KL-ATAC in solution, which promoted its self-assembly (with the aggregate diameter of 235–532 nm) and sedimentation (with the TSI value of 16.8). The rheological studies confirmed the more elasticity of KL-METAM than KL-ATAC with the elastic modulus of 9.3 and 8 Pa at the highest frequency. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) adsorption studies illustrated that KL-METAM adsorbed more greatly and generated a bulkier and more viscoelastic adlayer than KL-ATAC did on a rigid surface, below saturation (ΔD/Δf slope of 0.13–0.45) and at equilibrium (ΔD/Δf slope of 0.02–0.17). For the deposited adlayer, the alterations in the slope of dissipation/frequency (ΔD/Δf) between the early and late stages of adsorption were claimed to be related to the conformational changes of CKLs upon adsorption. The findings of this study showed that the architecture of cationic monomers could affect the structure of CKLs so significantly that the lignin polymers would have different chain conformations and flexibility in solution, varied rheological properties, and adsorption performance on a solid surface. The significance of the monomer architecture on the properties and performance of CKLs was more observable at a higher grafting ratio.

Dual lignin-derived polymeric systems for hazardous ion removals

The functionalization of lignin derivatives for ion removals is a promising method to expedite their use in treating industrial wastewater. In this work, kraft lignin (KL) was polymerized with [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (METAM) or acrylic acid (AA) in an acidic aqueous suspension system to produce cationic and anionic water-soluble lignin polymers with high molecular weights. Then, the interaction of soluble ions and KL-METAM and KL-AA was investigated using a Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and a vertical scan analyzer (VSA). The QCM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurement results showed that the adsorption efficiency of KL-AA was better than KL-METAM for ions due to the stronger electrostatic interaction, cationic π-interaction, and chelation between ions and KL-AA. Based on adsorption, sedimentation, and aggregate size analyses, the dual polymer systems of KL-AA/KL-METAM were more effective than KL-METAM/KL-AA in removing ions. Among Zn2+, Cu2+, and K+; Zn2+ interacted more effectively with polymers in all scenarios because it has higher reactivity for interacting with other elements. As the efficiency of ion removals was more remarkable than past reported findings, the system of KL-AA/KL-METAM may be a promising alternative for the removal of dissolved ions from solutions.

Phenomenological Changes in Lignin Following Polymerization and Its Effects on Flocculating Clay Particles.

Cationic kraft lignin (CKL) macromolecules were produced via polymerizing kraft lignin (KL) with [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (ATAC) or [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (METAM). Despite slightly different charge densities (2.3-2.5 mmol/g) of CKL, lignin-METAM (KL-METAM) had a significantly larger molecular weight and radius of gyration. A correlation was observed between the structure of CKLs and their impacts on the surface hydrophilicity of kaolin particles. In interacting with kaolin particles, KL-METAM generated larger and stronger flocs with looser structures than did KL-ATAC. Compared to ATAC, METAM had one additional methyl substituent on its structure, which provided fundamental evidence on how a small group (i.e., a methyl group) on the structure of a cationic monomer can have a substantial influence on its polymerization with lignin and subsequently on the efficiency of the induced macromolecule as a flocculant in a kaolin suspension system.

Impact of Counter Ions of Cationic Monomers on the Production and Characteristics of Chitosan-Based Hydrogel.

Chitosan-based hydrogel has received considerable interests because of its appealing properties and applications in many areas. The primary objective of this work was to produce novel cationic chitosan-based hydrogels via polymerizing chitosan with two cationic monomers of the same structure but with different counter ions [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (METMS) and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METAC). Polymerization of chitosan with the cationic monomers performed under the conditions of 50 °C, 5 h, 7 pH, and 2/1 mol/mol monomer/chitosan led to chitosan–METMS and −METAC with the cationic charge densities of 3.22 and 2.88 mequiv/g, respectively. Elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses were used to confirm the impact of counter ions of cationic monomers (i.e., polarizability of monomers) on their polymerization performance and the characteristics of induced chitosan-based hydrogels. Also, the results of this work postulated that the counter ions associated with the monomers could dramatically impact the water uptake and swelling properties of the generated chitosan-based hydrogels as well as their performance in adsorbing an anionic dye from a simulated solution.

Generation of New Cationic Xylan-Based Polymer in Industrially Relevant Process

Xylan is the main hemicellulose of hardwood species and can be produced via hydrolysis commercially. In this study, xylan was polymerized with [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (METMS) in a semidry manner in an effort to valorize xylan. The reaction parameters were optimized to obtain a cationic xylan with the maximum charge density of +3.81 mequiv/g and molecular weight of 83 000 g/mol. It was discovered that the adsorption of xylan–METMS was more significant on kaolin (3.6 mg/g) than bentonite (0.61 mg/g) and that the polymer impacted the zeta potential and relative turbidity of kaolin suspension more pronouncedly than that of bentonite suspension. The addition of xylan–METMS to kaolin and bentonite suspensions accelerated the kinetics of settlement and generated sediments with loose structures. The success of flocculation using xylan–METMS in model wastewater samples describes a new reaction pathway for producing a sustainable product as a potential flocculant for the treatmen...

Preparation of Cationic Mixed-Mode Acrylamide-Based Monolithic Stationary Phases for Capillary Electrochromatography

A series of amphiphilic macroporous mixed-mode acrylamide-based continuous beds bearing positively charged quaternary ammonium groups is synthesized for capillary electrochromatography (CEC) under variation of the concentration of the cationic monomer in the polymerization mixture. Positively charged mixed-mode monolithic stationary phases are synthesized in pre-treated fused silica capillaries of 100 µm I.D via single step free radical copolymerization of cyclodextrin-solubilized N-tert-butylacrylamide, a hydrophilic crosslinker (piperazine diacrylamide), a hydrophilic neutral monomer (methacrylamide), and a positively charged monomer ([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate) in aqueous solution containing the lyotropic salt ammonium sulfate as a pore-forming agent. The synthesized monolithic stationary phases contain hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and charged functionalities. They can be employed for the CEC separations of different classes of neutral and charged solutes (with varied polarity) in the reversed-phase mode, in the normal-phase mode, in the ion-exchange mode, in a mixed-mode, or in the hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) mode. The influence of the concentration of the cationic monomer in the polymerization mixture on retention factor, electroosmotic mobility, and methylene selectivity (αmeth) is studied under isocratic conditions for alkylphenones in the reversed-phase mode by capillary electrochromatography (CEC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs demonstrate that the morphology of the synthesized monoliths (i.e., the domain size) is strongly influenced by the variation of the concentration of the cationic monomer in the polymerization mixture.

Preparation and characterization of water‐soluble polymers and their utilization in chromium sorption

ABSTRACTIn this article, we study the sorption of chromium from aqueous solutions using water‐soluble polymers (WSPs): poly[2‐(acryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride, P(ClAETA); poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium methyl sulfate, P(SAETA); and poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate), P(NaSS). These WSPs were obtained by radical polymerization and purified by fractionation through ultrafiltration membranes with different molar mass cut‐offs (30 and 100 kDa). The characterization was carried out by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FTIR, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The chromium retention properties of the polymers were determined in terms of pH, optimal polymer concentration, and the effect of interfering ions. The results show yields above 80% for all of the synthesized WSPs. Characterization by spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure of the polymers. TGA shows thermal decomposition temperatures of 264 and 324 °C for P(ClAETA) and P(SAETA), respectively. In the case of P(NaSS), the first thermal decomposition begins at approximately 450 °C. Maximum retention of Cr(VI) (100%) by the polymers P(ClAETA) and P(SAETA) was achieved at pH 9, and the maximum retention of Cr(III) (100%) was achieved by P(NaSS) at pH 3. The optimal polymer:Cr molar ratio obtained was 20:1. The retention of chromium(VI) was decreased by the presence of interfering ions, and the hydrodynamic flux was almost constant during ultrafiltration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45355.

On the feasibility of using sodium octyl sulfate micelles for template polymerization of a cationic monomer

Spin probe EPR spectroscopy has been employed to study the effect of a cationic monomer, trimethyl(methacryloxyethyl)ammonium methyl sulfate, on the formation, local structure, and dynamics of sodium octyl sulfate micelles in aqueous solutions. It has been established that the monomer does not affect significantly the parameters of probe rotation in micelles of this surfactant, thereby indicating a weak interaction between the studied monomer and surfactant micelles. The absence of a template effect upon monomer polymerization in micellar sodium octyl sulfate solutions, which has been confirmed by unchanged molecular-mass characteristics of obtained polymers, indicates that it is inefficient to use sodium octyl sulfate micelles as a template for radical polymerization of cationic monomers in aqueous media, in contrast to sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles studied previously.

Biodegradable polymeric gene delivering nanoscale hybrid micelles enhance the suppression effect of LRIG1 in breast cancer

Biodegradable polymeric gene delivering nanoscale hybrid micelles enhance the suppression effect of LRIG1 in breast cancer.

Adsorption characteristics of N’-undecylenamidopropyl-N”-trimethylammonium methyl sulfate at the air–water interface

The dynamic surface tension and adsorption properties of the aqueous solutions of N’ -undecylenamidopropyl- N” -trimethylammonium methyl sulfate, an eco-friendly cationic surfactant, were evaluated by a maximum bubble pressure method at various life times.

Preparation and characterization of hybrid-silica monolithic column with mixed-mode of hydrophilic and strong anion-exchange interactions for pressurized capillary electrochromatography

A novel organic-silica hybrid monolithic stationary phase with a mixed-mode of hydrophilic and strong anion-exchange interactions (HI-SAX) was prepared with a modified “one-pot” process of functional monomers and alkoxysilanes. Using a hydrosoluble initiator 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AIBA), the homogeneous prepolymerization system of this hybrid monolith was successfully obtained by a simple operation. The polycondensation of alkoxysilanes (tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and vinyl-trimethoxysilane (VTMS)) and the in situ copolymerization of a quaternary ammonium group-containing acrylic monomer ([2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate (AETA)) on the precondensed siloxanes were achieved. The morphologies of the hybrid-silica monolithic matrixes were observed by SEM, and the performances of the organic-silica hybrid monolithic columns were investigated by pressurized capillary electrochromatography. The mechanical stability and reproducibility of the obtained hybrid monolithic column preformed acceptable. Both hydrophilic interaction chromatography mechanism and strong anion-exchanged interaction were investigated. A mixed mode of HI-SAX was obtained for the analysis of nucleotides with a good resolution, and the separation of polar and basic nucleic acid bases and nucleosides was also achieved without peak tailing.

Stimuli-responsive micellar interpolyelectrolyte complexes – control of micelle dynamics via core crosslinking

Multi-layered micellar interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) were built up by the complexation of two oppositely charged homo- or block copolymer systems. First, an ampholytic polybutadiene-block-poly(sodium methacrylate)-block-poly{2-[(methacryloyloxy)-ethyl]trimethylammonium methylsulfate} (PB-b-PMANa-b-PDMAEMAq) ABC triblock terpolymer formed stimuli-responsive micelles in a pH 10 aqueous solution with a soft PB core, a PMANa/PDMAEMAq intramicellar IPEC (im-IPEC) shell, and a positively charged PDMAEMAq corona. With the addition of either negatively charged homopolymers (poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSSNa)) or bis-hydrophilic block copolymers comprising a neutral segment (poly(sodium acrylate)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PANa-b-PNIPAAm)), a second IPEC shell was formed. The structure of the resulting complex particles at different ratios of oppositely charged segments was investigated using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). We show that the initial terpolymer micelles with the im-IPEC shell exhibit significant dynamic behavior upon further complexation, resulting in changes in core size distribution and aggregation number. We attribute this to the soft core-forming PB block. Upon crosslinking of the PB core such dynamic processes are suppressed, thus more uniform IPEC particles are formed. We further demonstrate that the PNIPAAm corona formed after complexation with PANa-b-PNIPAAm diblock copolymers renders these multicompartment particles thermo-responsive.

Characterizations of UV‐curable montmorillonite/epoxy nanocomposites prepared by a hybrid of chemical dispersion and planetary mechanical milling process

AbstractAmmonium salt, [2‐(methacyloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (MAOTMA), was adopted to modify montmorillonite (MMT) via the cationic exchange process in an acidic environment and a successful enlargement of MMT lamellar spacing from 1.18 to 1.39 nm was identified by x‐ray diffraction and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Accordingly, UV‐curable epoxy nanocomposite resins containing various amounts of MAOTMA‐modified MMT were prepared with the aid of a planetary mechanical milling process. Transmission electron microscopy revealed a uniform dispersion of exfoliated MMT lamella in epoxy matrix, leading to the distinct improvements on thermal stability and thermal expansion property of nanocomposite samples. Calcium (Ca) test indicated that the good dispersion of MMT fillers in polymer effectively suppresses the moisture permeation in sample matrix. More than twofold increment on retention time of 5% Ca hydrolysis and 20% improvement on the permeation kinetic parameters were observed in the nanocomposite sample containing 8 wt % MMT in comparison with the pristine epoxy sample. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012

Sulfoalkylbetaine‐based monolithic column with mixed‐mode of hydrophilic interaction and strong anion‐exchange stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography

A novel monolithic stationary phase with mixed mode of hydrophilic and strong anion exchange (SAX) interactions based on in situ copolymerization of pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA), N,N-dimethyl-N-methacryloxyethyl N-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium betaine (DMMSA) and a selected quaternary amine acrylic monomer was designed as a multifunctional separation column for CEC. Although the zwitterionic functionalities of DMMSA and hydroxy groups of PETA on the surface of the monolithic stationary phase functioned as the hydrophilic interaction (HI) sites, the quaternary amine acrylic monomer was introduced to control the magnitude of the EOF and provide the SAX sites at the same time. Three different quaternary amine acrylic monomers were tested to achieve maximum EOF velocity and highest plate count. The fabrication of the zwitterionic monolith (designated as HI and SAX stationary phase) was carried out when [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methylsulfate was used as the quaternary amine acrylic monomer. The separation mechanism of the monolithic column was discussed in detail. For charged analytes, a mixed mode of HI and SAX was observed by studying the influence of mobile phase pH and salt concentration on their retentions on the poly(PETA-co-DMMSA-co-[2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methylsulfate) monolithic column. The optimized monolith showed good separation performance for a range of polar analytes including nucleotides, nucleic acid bases and nucleosides, phenols, estrogens and small peptides. The column efficiencies greater than 192 000 theoretical plates/m for estriol and 135 000 theoretical plates/m for charged cytidine were obtained.

EPR Spin Probe Study of New Micellar Systems

Molecular dynamics, structure, and phase state of two new micellar systems were investigated using spin-probe electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. While the local mobility of the new cationic long-chain detergents varies in micelles in a minor way when the length of a chain increases from 16 to 22 carbon atoms, the order parameter increases noticeably. The latter is caused by gain of hydrophobic interactions. It is worthwhile to note that the incorporation of the two hydroxyl groups into the polar head group of the C22 detergent influences particularly on the molecular dynamics and phase state of an aqueous solution of the detergent. Furthermore, not only the local mobility decreases and ordering factor increases, but also the phase state of the system changes, being transited from the solid to the micellar (liquid) state. Addition of the KCl salt in an aqueous solution of the long-chain detergents results in a decrease of local mobility and increase of ordering factor. The phase transitions are found to be caused by the addition of the salt. The cationic monomer [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methyl sulfate was shown to decrease the critical concentration of micelle formation of the anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Most likely this is because, being the counterion, the cationic monomer forms a dense layer around the SDS micelle. Binding of SDS micelle with the monomer strongly reduces the local mobility of the detergent.

Specifics of polymerization of trimethyl(methacryloyloxyethyl)ammonium methyl sulfate in a sodium dodecyl sulfate solution and the properties of resultant complexes

The specifics of polymerization of trimethyl(methacryloyloxyethyl)ammonium methyl sulfate in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and the properties of complexes that appear as polymerization products or are formed from these products were studied. It was found that the addition of the surfactant to the polymerization medium in sufficiently large amounts changes the polymerization rate and has a substantial effect on the properties of the products, thus reducing their molecular mass and greatly extending the range of existence of soluble complexes.

Capability of cationic water‐soluble polymers in conjunction with ultrafiltration membranes to remove arsenate ions

AbstractArsenic is one of the most hazardous pollutants, and is present in water, mainly, as As(V) and As(III), and in its inorganic hydrolysis species. Great efforts have been made to develop effective removal techniques. One alternative is the use of water‐soluble polymers containing functional groups to remove these toxic species. This paper presents the synthesis and characterization (FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetry TG‐DSC) of two cationic water‐soluble polymers containing tetra alkylammonium groups, poly[2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride, and poly[2‐acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (P(SAETA)). The arsenate retention properties were investigated using the liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention technique. The polymer structure and the exchangeable anions' nature have been shown to be two important variables in the removal efficiency of arsenate anions from aqueous solutions. Both investigated polymers were found to efficiently remove HAsO42− species from an aqueous media, with pH ranging from 6 to 8. The exchange of methyl sulfate for the chloride anion on P(SAETA) improved arsenate ion retention ability. The modification of ionic strength by Na2SO4 addition induced a significant decrease in the cationic polymer's arsenate retention properties. The polymers' retention properties were not studied using real samples. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1256–1261, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers

Cationic water‐soluble polymers with the ability to remove arsenate through an ultrafiltration technique

AbstractDifferent cationic water‐soluble polymers with (R)4N+X− groups and pyridinium groups were prepared, and their arsenate retention performance was investigated with the liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention technique. Poly[3‐(methacryloylamino)propyl]trimethylammonium chloride, poly[2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride, poly(ar‐vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride, poly[2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methyl sulfate, poly(4‐vinyl‐1‐methyl pyridinium)bromide, and poly[3‐(methacryloylamino)propyl]dimethyl(3‐sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide were prepared. The synthesis of the polymers by solution radical polymerization produced a yield higher than 77%. Structural analyses were performed with Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry. Commercial poly(4‐vinyl‐1‐methyl pyridinium)bromide and poly(ar‐vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride were also used. The liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention technique was employed to study the retention of arsenate species. The polymer structure and exchange groups, such as methyl sulfate, chloride, bromide, and hydroxide, presented different properties for removing arsenate anions from aqueous solutions. The type of voluminous quaternary ammonium group present influenced arsenic retention. All the polymers could bind HAsO42− species from an aqueous solution more selectively at pHs 8 and 6 than at pH 4. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007

Saporin as a novel suicide gene in anticancer gene therapy

We used a non-viral gene delivery approach to explore the potential of the plant saporin (SAP) gene as an alternative to the currently employed suicide genes in cancer therapy. Plasmids expressing cytosolic SAP were generated by placing the region encoding the mature plant ribosome-inactivating protein under the control of cytomegalovirus (CMV) or simian virus 40 (SV40) promoters. Their ability to inhibit protein synthesis was first tested in cultured tumor cells co-transfected with a luciferase reporter gene. In particular, SAP expression driven by CMV promoter (pCI-SAP) demonstrated that only 10 ng of plasmid per 1.6 x 10(4) B16 cells drastically reduced luciferase activity to 18% of that in control cells. Direct intratumoral injection of pCI-SAP complexed with either lipofectamine or N-(2,3-dioleoyloxy-1-propyl) trimethylammonium methyl sulfate (DOTAP) in B16 melanoma-bearing mice resulted in a noteworthy attenuation of tumor growth. This antitumor effect was increased in mice that received repeated intratumoral injections. A SAP catalytic inactive mutant (SAP-KQ) failed to exert any antitumor effect demonstrating that this was specifically owing to the SAP N-glycosidase activity. Our overall data strongly suggest that the gene encoding SAP, owing to its rapid and effective action and its independence from the proliferative state of target cells might become a suitable candidate suicide gene for oncologic applications.